Lou Groza Award: Dan Bailey

The Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the best place kicker in the nation. This year, Dan Bailey of the Oklahoma State Cowboys earned this prestigious designation.

Since becoming the Cowboys starting kicker in 2008, Bailey has grown into one of the most consistent kickers in the nation. After having a slight decline in percentage of field goals made from ’08 to ’09, Bailey made a huge step up in accuracy in 2010 with an impressive 85.7 field goal percentage. He connected on 24 of his 28 field goals, and made 65 of his 66 PAT attempts. He helped the Cowboys bring in a couple of their 10 wins with clutch field goals as time wound down. His consistency and accuracy, along with a strong leg that has 50-yard plus capabilities with help his chances of making it in the NFL.

Bailey’s best game of the year was Oklahoma State’s 54-28 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. He connected on all four of his field goal attempts. He made two attempts from 50 yards on longer, including a season-long of 52. Including his six successful PATs, he scored 18 of the Cowboys’ 54 points against the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Gil Alcaraz IV

Gil is the owner of the Minnesota Vikings blog, The Viking Den, and an editorial writer for Lakers Nation. Having followed the NFL Draft for years, Gil has had a knack for naming some of the big surprise players to make it in the NFL. Gil is also a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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